South Beaches: Dark of the moon tours on tap

Monday

Oct 22, 2012 at 10:46 PM

South Beaches: Dark of the moon tours on tap

Lorraine Thompson

South Beaches News

The October full moon on Monday opens the door to some of the most celebrated seasons and holidays of the year. Known as the Full Hunter's Moon or Full Harvest Moon, you can get a close look, weather permitting, from atop the St. Augustine Lighthouse Friday, Saturday and Sunday and on Halloween night. The St. Augustine Lighthouse Dark of the Moon Tours begin at 7:30 p.m. and include a visit to the Keeper's House, which Syfy Network's Ghost Hunters program called the "Mona Lisa of paranormal sites."

Reservations are required. The cost is $25 for adults and $20 for children ages 7 to 11 on the weekend, and $35 and $30 on Halloween. While the full moon is officially Monday, weekend moonrises will begin before 6 p.m. The Halloween moonrise will begin at 7:47 p.m. and with clear visibility should be 98 percent full. Call 829-0745 for reservations.

»

If you plan to dress for Halloween, Betty Griffin Thrift Shoppe has come up with a unique idea to create your own costume at budget prices. Some of their suggestions include dressing as a bride (maybe the Bride of Frankenstein), a business professional, a flower child or hippie or a preppie.

Browse the store located at Anastasia Square Plaza, 1961 A1A South, at the corner of A1A and State Road 312, where such items as wedding dresses, briefcases, suits, flowing skirts and fancy tops, and beads are usually available. Hours are 9 a.m.to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Call 471-4716.

You can also drop off any donations of clothing and household items there. Proceeds benefit the Betty Griffin House shelter for battered men and women, as well as its education programs.

»

It may be a month away, but preparations are being made and programs expanded for this year's Winter Wonderland at St. Augustine Amphitheatre. Organizers are currently hiring staff for part time positions for the seasonal event that draws thousands of local visitors as well as tourists. Paid positions begin Nov. 23 and end Jan. 6. Those hired will fill such positions as ice skating guard, ice chute attendant and others. Applications are available at the amphitheatre ticket office or go to www.winterwonderlandflorida .com, or call 209-3753. The amphitheatre is located on Anastasia Island at 1340 A1A South.

»

The early deadline, Nov. 1, is looming for registrations for the Santa suits on the Loose 5K Family Walk/Jog/Run scheduled for Dec. 8. The first 300 adult registrants will receive a Santa suit to wear during the event. Children will receive a Santa-inspired shirt.

The charitable event, which will begin at St. Augustine Beach Pier Park, will benefit St. Augustine Youth Services, a private nonprofit therapeutic group home serving children who have been victims of child abuse or extreme neglect. It is being organized by Sunliner Realty.

Early registration fee is $25 and increases to $35 after Nov. 1. Check in and registration on Dec. 8 will begin at 6:30 a.m. with the walk/jog/run starting at 8 a.m. A limited number of T-shirts are available for a $25 donation to SAYS. For registration and other information go to www.racesmith.com or email santasuitontheloose@gmail.com.

»

A Veterans' Day Ceremony will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. Nov. 12, at Veterans Memorial in Lakeside Park located adjacent to the St. Augustine Beach City Hall parking lot. The tribute is sponsored by St. Augustine Beach Civic Association and the City of St. Augustine Beach and is being organized by Commissioner Andrea Samuels and John Reardon, a former U.S. Marine.

The Ancient City Bagpipers will perform prior to the program which will begin at 3 p.m. with the flag presentation, Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem. Those on the program include St. Augustine Beach Mayor S. Gary Snodgrass, Father Nick Marziani and featured speakers Col. Lisa Craig, U.S. Army National Guard; Bill Dudley, USN, ret., chairman of the Veterans Council; and Dan McCarthy, U.S. representative to the Wounded Warrior Fund. The Marsh Creek Chorale will perform and Chaplin Doug Woodall will give the benediction. Free parking is available at the City Hall lot.

»

Cool fall autumn weather is a great time to enjoy free outdoors programs at Marineland. Coming up:

» Nature-wise Community Workshop, 1 to 4 p.m., Thursday at the GTM NERR Marineland Office, 9741 Ocean Shore Blvd. Learn about invasive species to watch out for and how to use native plants in your landscape. Registration is requested. Register at http://naturewise.eventbrite.com/ or contact Emily Montgomery: Emily.Montgomery@dep.state.fl.us, or call 823.2291.

» Marineland Guided Beach Walk, 8:30 to 10 a.m., Oct. 30. Join GTM Research Reserve volunteer Ron Ceryak for a leisurely guided beach walk along the River to Sea Preserve's beach in the Town of Marineland. Explore geology, sand, shells, heavy minerals, and coquina rock. Discuss the value of dunes and dune vegetation. See shorebirds and learn about seashells and mollusks. The River to Sea Preserve beach lot is on the east side of A1A at Ocean Shore Boulevard in the Town of Marineland. Look for the GTM Research Reserve temporary event sign posted at the A1A entrance. RSVP at http://gtmnerrmarineland beach.eventbrite.com or call 823-4500. Comfortable closed-toe shoes are recommended.

»

Got news? If it takes place on Anastasia Island or the adjoining areas you can send your information about people and events to staugbeachwatch@aol.com, or call 471-4851.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.

Advertising

Stay Connected

Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted.
The St. Augustine Record ~ One News Place, St. Augustine, FL 32086 ~ Privacy Policy ~ Terms Of Service